This document discusses signs that an elderly loved one may need residential or home care assistance. It lists potential signs like an empty refrigerator, weight loss, bruises, wearing the same clothes repeatedly, a neglected home/yard, forgetfulness, depression, and strange behavior. It then provides resources to consult for care options, including the New Lifestyles Directory, Senior Resource Guide, Office for the Aging, Alzheimer's Association, and geriatric care managers. It stresses the importance of friends and family referrals when choosing a care facility or service.

1. Residential and Home Care Decisions
8/6/13
Julie Fenske

3.  Their refrigerator is empty or filled with spoiled food or your
loved one is losing weight. These could be signs they are not
eating well because shopping and/or cooking may be difficult.
 Bruises may be a sign of your loved one falling or facing mobility
and balance challenges
 The same clothes are worn repeatedly or personal hygiene is
being neglected. This could mean bathing and doing laundry are
both physically challenging.
 The house and yard isn’t as clean and kept up as it was in the past
 Forgetfulness, including missing doctor appointments and when
to take medications. These are possible signs of memory loss.
 Your loved one is depressed. Depression is common in seniors
who are isolated or alone.
 Strange or inappropriate behavior. As an example, your loved
one may dress in summer clothes on a cold, winter day. This
could be a sign of confusion

4.  New Lifestyles Directory
 Senior Resource Guide
 Area Office for the Aging
 Alzheimer’s Association
 Geriatric Care Managers
 The Internet
 A Place for Mom
 Individual Community Websites
 CMS website
 Hospital Discharge Planners
 Best resource: Friends and Family Referrals

5.  The $$ questions
 Monthly fees?
 What is included?
 Additional Fees
 What and when is the annual fee increase?
 Services
 Calendar of events?
 Lifestyle Amenities
 Tell me out your organization?
 For profit vs. not for profit difference
 Is the annual report available to review?
 Past state survey results

6.  Walk in tours accepted?
 First Impression is a lasting impression
 Welcoming
 Clean/Odor Free
 Full disclosure when asked questions
 Opportunity to meet leadership and residents
 Request to have a meal
 Does the food look and taste
 Do they accommodate special diets

7.  The staff:
 Are they taking the time to speak with you or are you being
rushed?
 Do they appear genuinely interested in you and your loved
one?
 Do they interact warmly with current residents?
 How well do they handle emergencies?
 The residents:
 Do they appear happy?
 Do they enjoy interacting with one another?
 Are they people your loved one would like to get to know?
 Are there hobbies or activities that look interesting to your
loved one